Agrometeorology

Agrometeorology

The purpose of the Agrometeorology sub-section is to support and provide advisories to agricultural production and food security activities in the country. The sub-section assists stakeholders in provision of meteorological and related services to the agricultural community to help develop sustainable and economically viable agricultural systems, improve production and quality, reduce losses and risks, labour and energy, and decrease costs.

Although sometimes combined, climate information is used mainly for planning purposes, while recent weather data and weather forecasts are used mostly in current agricultural operations.

Activities:

In the beginning of the major cropping season (summer), the section studies the seasonal weather forecast provided by the Weather Office and interprets it for farming communities. Advisories on the likelihood of the season are then given to all relevant farming sectors.

Monitoring of Crop performance in relation to prevailing weather is done during the progress of the season. This is studying the crop water balance during different phonological stages of the crop development. Update of the seasonal forecast in the mid-season is made.

Production forecast towards the end of cropping season is done. This is done using several indicators derived from the tools available.